Why Double Strollers May Be More Risky Than You Think

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar age. These best compact double stroller tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.

For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."

In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best compact double stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk.

A tandem double stroller (have a peek here)-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. amazon double stroller strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life on the go with two kids much simpler.

In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style nipper double buggy stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single to double buggy child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.